Phytocenotic Structure Research Articles

Structure of plant communities in the early succession stages on anthropogenic sandy outcrops of the forest tundra and northern taiga of Western Siberia

The results of a study of the taxonomic, ecological, and phytocenotic structure of plant communities formed in the early stages of overgrowth of the anthropogenic sandy outcrops within the forest-tundra zone and northern taiga forest subzone of Western Siberia are presented. In the early stages of vegetativecover restoration, there are from 2 to 11 species growing into sparse communities of the classes Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea, Artemisietea vulgaris, and Koelerio-Corynephoretea. The participation of some meso-xerophytic forest-tundra, meadow-margin, and weed herbaceous plant and dwarf shrubs species, mostly with ruderal and stress-tolerant eco-phytocenotic strategies, as well as with secondary strategies—violent-ruderal and ruderal–stress-tolerant—in the secondary succession on the sandy outcrops have been shown. The primary succession begins at the bottom and slopes of the pit ditches, as well on the surface of the sand dunes, and proceeds at an accelerated scenario. Hygro-, meso- and xerophilous species, predominantly oligo-mesotrophic rhizome and densely firm-bunch grasses and shrubs of the native flora, as well as ground lichens, participate in the early stages of succession.

Фітоценотична структура лісових угруповань за участю сосни звичайної (Pinus sylvestris l.) в Українських Карпатах

На закладених постійних пробних площах деревостанів сосни звичайної проведено детальні геоботанічні описи. Для всіх виявлених видів рослин встановлено показники домінування та величини проективного вкриття. Встановлено основні риси поширення сосни звичайної та виявлено, що у межах одного типу лісорослинних умов формується кілька різних за складом та структурою фітоценозів за участю Pinus sylvestris. У результаті геоботанічних досліджень осередків зростання Pinus sylvestris в Українських Карпатах виявлено 30 угруповань з участю сосни звичайної різного складу та структури. Досліджено фітоценотичну структуру лісів з участю сосни звичайної (Pinus sylvestris L.) на основі домінантної класифікації рослинності та укладено їх класифікаційну схему. Відповідно до побудованої схеми, всі ліси за участю Pinus sylvestris поділено на три блоки: чисті соснові ліси, соснові ліси з домішкою Picea abies та соснові ліси з домішкою Betula pendula. Встановлено, що ліси за участю сосни звичайної в Українських Карпатах мають полігенетичне походження, оскільки мають значне типологічне, ценотичне та біотичне різноманіття.

Phytocenotic structure and physico-chemical properties of a small water body in agricultural landscape

Small water bodies, until recently considered as wasteland, are an essential element of the so-called small water retention. Their main use can vary significantly, but they always play a positive role by increasing water resources and enhancing the natural values of the landscape. Moreover, by increasing bio- diversity thanks to plants forming habitats for many species of flora and fauna, small water bodies act as a biofilter, improving water quality. But these small reservoirs belong to the groups of waters that are most exposed to damage, especially within the catchment area. Because of the invaluable role of small farmland water bodies, a study was undertaken to investigate their phytocenotic structure. In addition, an attempt was made to assess the level of threats and to indicate their role in the development of habitat conditions. The investigated reservoir was created in 2007. Before that time, it functioned as a part of the Zemborzycki reservoir, as they were close to each other. Almost the entire surrounding of this small reservoir consisted of farmland. In 2011 a revitalization project was carried out in the reservoir. Plants typical for wetland habitats were mainly introduced, while synanthropic vegetation was removed. Based on chemical and physical analyses, it can be concluded that the investigated reservoir serves as a natural biofilter thanks to the qualitative and quantitative changes in the structure of macrophytes. After the revitalization project, the investigated pond gained new aesthetic and ecological qualities.

The dynamics and role of lichens in a managed Cladonia-Scotch pine forest (Cladonio-Pinetum)

The <em>Cladonia</em>-Scotch pine forest is a community seriously endangered by man's influence. Secondary succession in the <em>Cladonio-Pinetum</em> habitat is discussed and four stages of succession are distinguished. These are correlated with the succession of cryptogamous plants, mainly lichens, on decaying pine stumps and on pine trunks. The effects of the most common methods in forest management on the floristic composition, the phytocenotic structure and the biomass of the <em>Cladonio-Pinetum</em> herb and moss-lichen layers have been investigated. The include mineral fertilization, introduction of underbrush, grazing and litter-raking. These methods are shown to have on adverse effect on lichen growth. Also presented is an analysis of the lichen flora and the characteristics of the more important plant communities containing lichens in the north-western part to the Bory Tucholskie woodland (northern Poland).

Altitudinal differentiation of vegetation on the western macroslope of the Ikatskii Range (Eastern Pribaikalia)

An ecologo-phytocenotic classification of forest types has been worked out for the mountainous areas of the Western Transbaikalia. Using the floristic and ecologo-geographical criteria and the DCA ordination method, we identified seven groups of forest types belonging to two altitudinal-belt complexes. The resulting classification refines the existing understanding of the phytocenotic structure of forest cover under sharply continental climate conditions in the contact zone with island steppes of the Transbaikalia and serves the vegetation cover monitoring and modeling purposes.